Trailmaster Mid XRX-R Fuel Feed Issue

[Hibernian]

We have a Trailmaster Mid XRX-R (reverse capable) go cart that loses fuel feed. It has the 6.5 HP engine.

I previously replaced the vented cap (plastic was falling out), cleaned out the fuel tank and replaced the fuel inlet screen / shutoff valve because the gas ate the screen up also. Also fuel line with blue Stens and the fuel filter naturally. I always have run 93 no lead in it.

It appears the fuel line vapor locks or there is inadequate vacuum to pull the fuel down through to the carb. Just cleaned out the tank again today and replaced fuel lines and the screen / shutoff valve again.

If I pull the fuel line off the shutoff, drain a little then reattach it seems the line will mostly fill with fuel.

The old gas cap was vented by evidence of a check valve and it rattles if shaken. The new one is exact and rattles too when shaken.

I can see the dry lines as the Stens is clear blue. The engine and carb seem fine - just the fuel stops feeding.

After priming the line it will run until the Stens line evacuates again, then shuts off.

Does the carb on these allow engine vacuum to pull the fuel down to the engine from the tank situated above the engine?

Could this be a bad carb and not sucking the fuel down? I do have to put carb cleaner in it more regularly.

 

[Denny]

Sea-Foam is never a bad idea, just not too much. Got any pictures of your set up?

 

[Hibernian]

 

[Denny]

Well there should be more than enough gravity in you’re part of the world to make it work unless the fuel filter is restricting flow?

 

[Karttekk]

Try one of these OEM fuel hose and filter kits. Your filter looks huge. Pull the carb and see if there's any debris in the needle seat. Clean the fuel line coming from the filter to the carb. Make sure it isn't restricted. When did this start happening?

TrailMaster Go Kart Fuel Hose & Filter Kit (RED)

TrailMaster Go Kart Fuel Hose & Filter Kit (RED) Buy all of your TrailMaster go-kart parts from GoKartMasters.com

www.gokartmasters.com

 

[Hibernian]

Thank you for your input! This happened a while ago (18 mos) and tried new fuel line and a new fuel filter for our Kohler zero turn, thinking a bigger area filter would be better. Now I’m thinking it’s too much area / too restricting and have the much smaller go cart filters on order.

The OEM fuel line seemed weak and over the hot engine was a safety concern. So that’s why I put the Stens blue fuel line in.

The Kohler filter and Stens fuel lines improved things quite a bit, plus new tank screen and cap plus tank cleaning. But now have gone backwards. The fuel tank had debris from the screen eroding again from fuel attack. The cap allowed plastic to shed as well. Tank, screen, cap all resolved. 93 no lead has always been used.

Just ordered a new carb, as it has been touchy since new and also am improving the air filter with the new high performance kit available.

Thank you!

 

[Snaker]

Sounds like OP solved some problems but still has some others?

Debris in the system is certainly a problem
Is that fixed?

Is the concern that the filter isn't filling completely or air in the fuel lines?
That happens, rule is that air wants to rise in fuel, but it won't go down in order to go up.
You can try twisting/tilting lines and filter to see if air escapes towards the tank.
Regardless, the fuel is still going to flow through the air pockets.

You can remove the carb bowl drain plug and see if fuel runs out.
Use a catch can and be ready on the petcock.

 

[MidXRXRi]

Did you ever figure out the problem? I just bought one for my kid and it’s doing the same thing. Very annoying and can hardly ride it. Constantly dying out and hard to start. Fuel flow issue for sure but how to fix?

 

[Denny]

Check the fuel tank screen and the shut off valve for flow. Add about 1 oz. of fuel system treatment to gas to make sure there is no water in gas from condensation. Pull off float bowl and make sure it is clean.

 

[gokartdave]

Just out of curiosity how many miles are on that? I have 1 I bought brand new a few yrs back, haven't had any issues just yet.

 

[MidXRXRi]

Mine is brand new. Right away acting up. Fuel filter is going empty while running. I disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter it then starts to pour out, reconnect it and it fills up to start.

 

[Denny]

Float height not set properly?

 

[Master Hack]

If yer running the external filter, which is a great idea. (And it is not too big.)
remove the screen here. Its probably plugged as well.
Nice zip tie work.

 

[designerd]

I had this problem brand new. I replaced the fuel filter with a higher quality one and it seems to have resolved the issue.

 

[ssmith]

We bought a new XRX/R this week and are having the same issue. It runs relatively well with a full tank but will die when the fuel tank starts getting relatively low (not empty). Super frustrating. Sounds like this is relatively common problem straight from the factory. Super glad I came across this forum.

I had this problem brand new. I replaced the fuel filter with a higher quality one and it seems to have resolved the issue.

designerd What fuel filter did you buy?

 

[Karttekk]

Here's the factory fuel filter, make sure the vacuum fuel valve under the tank is fully open. Trailmaster and Hammerhead are basically the same machine.

https://hammerheadperformance.com/hammerhead-parts/buggies-and-karts/150cc-fnr-models/gl-150/fuel-filter

 

[Karttekk]

A new machine shouldn't need a new filter already. Make sure the fuel line isn't kinked or restricted somehow and make sure the fuel valve is completely open. Maybe crack the gas cap open slightly on a level road or surface and see if anything changes. Could be the gas cap isn't venting. Have you talked to the vendor? Is it under warranty?

 

[Kasper]

I have a New Trailmaster. Same Fuel issue. If I leave the fuel cap loose. It runs GREAT, but, it is not safe for the kids. Someway the cap is not letting it breath like it should. So,it vapor locks. I'm going to take the cap apart.

 

[designerd]

We bought a new XRX/R this week and are having the same issue. It runs relatively well with a full tank but will die when the fuel tank starts getting relatively low (not empty). Super frustrating. Sounds like this is relatively common problem straight from the factory. Super glad I came across this forum.


designerd What fuel filter did you buy?

I used something like one of these. I had some lying around from another machine I needed to service. They're cheap and pretty universal. You might be able to find one at your local hardware store in the area with lawnmower parts. An auto parts store should probably have them too.

 

[Kasper]

Ok. I disected the Fuel Cap last night. There is no way for air to get in. There are 2 options.
#1. Put grease on a 3/32" drill bit, and drill the dimple out in the Fuel Cap(grease collects the shavings)
#2. Remove 3 screws in Cap. Remove vent assembly, rubber gasket,plastic gasket. You can see a cut/grove in the Cap. It's not deep enough to let air pass? It is sealed by the rubber j plastic gasket. Take a small drimmel and make the groove go under the plastic gasket, just deep enough to let air pass under.